2025 FAI Cup

[placid casual]

If anyone's name is on the trophy, it is the hosts of Sunday's semi final.

Getting to the quarter finals for the first time and beating a Premier opponent in the cup at the third attempt was Kerry's cup final. The semi final is bonus territory, another cup final for the visitors, but bonus territory that will be a difficult evening.

Cork players were talking after last night's game about the build up to a final. Tomorrow has a touch of that for Kerry. The build up until 6pm should be enjoyable before the rather difficult task!

Jaysis , your not playing Real Madrid today!!
If you can beat sligo 4:3 you can put it up to Rovers over 90 minutes.
Burkey,Watts,Healy & Mandriou will probably be playing so as a Rovers fan I'm confident we can get it done,but nothing is set in stone at all..

[CorribsideSteve]

It will be a great day out for Kerry but but in a GAA context, this is a top tier Div 1 side meeting a Div 4 team. If Rovers don't win 3 or 4 nil it'll be a surprise and a half. They'd take a hard grafted 1-0 of course, Rovers, just to get to the final, but they should ought to be winning this comfortably this evening. Im cheering for Kerry but have to be realistic here. Beating Sligo was the pinnacle for them.

[EatYerGreens]

It will be a great day out for Kerry but but in a GAA context, this is a top tier Div 1 side meeting a Div 4 team. If Rovers don't win 3 or 4 nil it'll be a surprise and a half. They'd take a hard grafted 1-0 of course, Rovers, just to get to the final, but they should ought to be winning this comfortably this evening. Im cheering for Kerry but have to be realistic here. Beating Sligo was the pinnacle for them.

Why do you need to convert a football game to a GAA context on a football forum ? :rolleyes:

In a football context it's the champions elect and a professional team playing European group stage football up against a fairly new part-time team in the lowest tier of the LOI. You dont need GAA comparisons to explan that challenge to football people.

[Straightstory]

Why, a local and knows his stuff journalist Barry Landy is it, flagged this potential issue with multi-ownership as early as last winter, but the thinking was 'it will never happen' well it did.

Drogs had ample time to transfer shares but they did nothing. Very tough pill to swallow and a brilliant trip ruined for their fans, but they can have no complaints about prior warnings.
Absolutely. Barry Landy flagged this early and was way ahead of everybody in warning about what might happen. I’m still unclear how much the club could have done to avoid this debacle, as arbitration decision by CAS was 2-1 against them (ie not unanimous), so they may have had a bit of a case. However, the issue should have been dealt with when it was apparent it could become a potential conflict of interests.

[culloty82]

Darragh Foley remains in goal, after Matt Connor failed to recover in time for tonight's game - tough ask for a 19-year-old, but he won't be judged on his performance here, anyway.

[Nesta99]

Absolutely. Barry Landy flagged this early and was way ahead of everybody in warning about what might happen. I’m still unclear how much the club could have done to avoid this debacle, as arbitration decision by CAS was 2-1 against them (ie not unanimous), so they may have had a bit of a case. However, the issue should have been dealt with when it was apparent it could become a potential conflict of interests.

Wasnt the issue for arbitration over deadlines rather than just the multiclub issue? There were other decisions that were finalised after a deadline which was Drogheda's point of order, Drogheda may have had a point on that but still may not have made required changes in time. The passive way the issue was dealt with ran all the way to the FAI and how even other clubs didnt anticipate an issue. It was bizzare all round but ultimately Drogs were looking for a reprieve on technicalities and maybe some logic that doesnt tend to follow reason with arbitrating UEFA regs. Its should have been long dealt with, and not require prompting. Maybe unfairly but it was a bit Waterford FC 'it'll be grand'.

[Kiki Balboa]

Pathetic from the ref.

Burke should be off.

[2 Year Contract]

Pathetic from the ref.

Burke should be off.

Genuinely mind boggling stuff right in front of the ref and lino. Who knew you could slam an opponents head into the ground without being sent off these days :)

[joey B]

It’s unbelievable really,the lino couldn’t have had a better view….

[CorribsideSteve]

What's a red if that isn't? I get that he didn't want to ruin the flow of the game, but that's an awful decision. Kerry started brightly but SRFC will look to get a 3rd goal sooner than later.

[CorribsideSteve]

Why do you need to convert a football game to a GAA context on a football forum ? :rolleyes:

In a football context it's the champions elect and a professional team playing European group stage football up against a fairly new part-time team in the lowest tier of the LOI. You dont need GAA comparisons to explan that challenge to football people.
Kerry coming to dublin for a big game is a GAA context normally so thats what prompted me. Anyways, enjoy the match. Kerry have been better than expected.

[joey B]

A non event unfortunately,Kerry can’t get near them ….

[pineapple stu]

Kerry 3-0 down against a team called Rovers. It’s exactly where they want them...

[culloty82]

The comeback starts here! :)

[listowelceltic]

Kerry completely outclassed but great day for the club. Just goes to show the support is there. Getting them regularly is another story.

[sbgawa]

Mcloughlin in Tallaght is toxic. That dexusion not to send off burke almost makes up for sending off lee grace for heading the ball against bohs a few yeara ago, he was the only person in the ground who thought he handled the ball

[The Donie Forde]

Been a few references to former Cork clubs, and there have been a several.
Not as many as from Dublin, though, for what it's worth:


Bohemian FC
Brideville FC (left the league 3 times)
Brooklyn FC
Cabinteely FC
Dolphin FC
Drumcondra AFC
Dublin City FC
Dublin Pioneers FC
Dublin United FC
Frankfort FC
Home Farm FC
Home Farm-Drumcondra AFC
Home Farm-Everton FC
Home Farm-Fingal FC
Jacobs AFC
Midland Athletic FC (a Dublin club, despite its name)
Olympia FC
Rathmines Athletic FC
Reds United FC
St Francis FC
St James's Gate AFC (left the league 2 times)
St Patrick's Athletic FC
St Patrick's Athletic incorporating St Francis FC
Shamrock Rovers FC
Shamrock Rovers II
Shamrock Rovers ‘B’
Shelbourne FC
Shelbourne United FC
Sporting Fingal
Transport FC
UCD AFC
YMCA FC

I may even have missed one or two...

[placid casual]

Been a few references to former Cork clubs, and there have been a several.
Not as many as from Dublin, though, for what it's worth:


Bohemian FC
Brideville FC (left the league 3 times)
Brooklyn FC
Cabinteely FC
Dolphin FC
Drumcondra AFC
Dublin City FC
Dublin Pioneers FC
Dublin United FC
Frankfort FC
Home Farm FC
Home Farm-Drumcondra AFC
Home Farm-Everton FC
Home Farm-Fingal FC
Jacobs AFC
Midland Athletic FC (a Dublin club, despite its name)
Olympia FC
Rathmines Athletic FC
Reds United FC
St Francis FC
St James's Gate AFC (left the league 2 times)
St Patrick's Athletic FC
St Patrick's Athletic incorporating St Francis FC
Shamrock Rovers FC
Shamrock Rovers II
Shamrock Rovers ‘B’
Shelbourne FC
Shelbourne United FC
Sporting Fingal
Transport FC
UCD AFC
YMCA FC

I may even have missed one or two...
The only thing you've clearly missed is the point being made. Well done you 😄

[Cosmo]

Wasnt the issue for arbitration over deadlines rather than just the multiclub issue? There were other decisions that were finalised after a deadline which was Drogheda's point of order, Drogheda may have had a point on that but still may not have made required changes in time. The passive way the issue was dealt with ran all the way to the FAI and how even other clubs didnt anticipate an issue. It was bizzare all round but ultimately Drogs were looking for a reprieve on technicalities and maybe some logic that doesnt tend to follow reason with arbitrating UEFA regs. Its should have been long dealt with, and not require prompting. Maybe unfairly but it was a bit Waterford FC 'it'll be grand'.

Whether people think it was harsh or not (Trivela obviously do - i think we can have no complaints as criteria is clear) , Trivela rightfully owned it and stated that it was their responsibility regardless to ensure we were eligible - harsh or not

[legendz]

It was an enjoyable day despite the rough result. It was a day of celebration for Kerry for being there.
Not sending off Burke was criminal. Kerry have to learn from the rest of what happened. The consistency hasn't been there to mount a playoff challenge and was reflected in some of the goals conceded.
Parking at the Square worked perfectly. The food truck was fine. Probably could have been a second for the crowd that was there in the East Stand. People queuing for the food truck at half time could have there until the end of the game!
The Obama Plaza was something of a post match gathering on the road home. An overrated place though. Junction 14 and the Applegreen by Limerick-Tipperary are probably better.
Overall a day of celebration. Happy to be there!

[CorribsideSteve]

What was the attendance? 3 of the 4 stands looked fairly well populated, and also factoring in the 1.2K from Kerry (phenomenal) so 7K ish?

[2 Year Contract]

What was the attendance? 3 of the 4 stands looked fairly well populated, and also factoring in the 1.2K from Kerry (phenomenal) so 7K ish?
It was 5,438

[nr637]

Can the Cork City v Shamrocks final at the Aviva make the record crowd for an FAI Cup final!

What chances is there for the first 50,000 attendance!

[2 Year Contract]

Can the Cork City v Shamrocks final at the Aviva make the record crowd for an FAI Cup final!

What chances is there for the first 50,000 attendance!

Probably can’t reach that due to seat kills. All tickets were sold out in 2023 but the attendance was 43,881 due to a combination of seat kills and no shows

[placid casual]

It was an enjoyable day despite the rough result. It was a day of celebration for Kerry for being there.
Not sending off Burke was criminal. Kerry have to learn from the rest of what happened. The consistency hasn't been there to mount a playoff challenge and was reflected in some of the goals conceded.
Parking at the Square worked perfectly. The food truck was fine. Probably could have been a second for the crowd that was there in the East Stand. People queuing for the food truck at half time could have there until the end of the game!
The Obama Plaza was something of a post match gathering on the road home. An overrated place though. Junction 14 and the Applegreen by Limerick-Tipperary are probably better.
Overall a day of celebration. Happy to be there!
Glad to hear you enjoyed the day and everyone got home safely (I presume).
Wouldn't go as far as to say the Burkey decision was "criminal" but he should have been sent off, as should the guy who tackled him ( nothing much being said about that!).
Rovers clearly and correctly took the game seriously and have targeted the double from a long way off.
Healy clearly got his tactics wrong if he's substituting a midfielder after 25 mins but as expected Rovers owned the ball and Mandriou,Watts, Healy and that irascible rogue Burkey combined to take the game away from Kerry.
Great crowd up and a marker for Kerry for what's possible if the club and community work together to improve their standing in LOI.
Enjoy the rest of the season

[TonyD]

Dreadful stuff from Pats last night. Cork started quickly and it felt like the writing was on the wall from there given how soft this Pats team is.

Think Kenny's biggest error thus far has been trusting the bulk of a squad that outside of the last 10 games or so last season have completely flattered to deceive for a very long time. I could probably count on one hand the number of players I'd actually like to see stay.

I'm still gutted by the result and the performance. Cup Final day at the Aviva is great and I'm sick to be missing out. I felt before the game that we couldn't afford to go behind, and so it transpired. Just like the Sligo game the previous week.

As to where we go from here, who knows. Don't see Kenny being sacked, and I think he'll get next season at least. It's a bit strange to me, I still think there is lots of talent in that squad. Alan Cawley made the point that 8 of Pats 10 defeats have come away from home, which is probably pretty telling. We are not able to break down teams who just sit in and defend with discipline against us. If the game is more open and end to end we look a lot better and the likes of Power and Mulraney (sometimes !) can use their pace on the break. I'm not sure who is out of contract at the end of the year, but I imagine we'll see a good few changes. There are probably more players on the release list than there are on the keep. But thats assuming they can be replaced with better. I think Anang has had a decent season overall but I'd actually fault him for all three goals on Friday. We'll need a left back, as Breslin seems to be totally out of favour and Kazeem is useless. Right back is actually ok, as I think both Sjoberg and McLaughlin are solid. Possibly need a new centre half alongside Redmond, I was a fan of Tom Grivosti but he hasn't had a great year (Maguire shrugged him off and left him for dead for Corks second goal the other night, which shouldn't happen) Luke Turner is another I'd class as solid. Midfield and forward areas are probably where we need most work. Forrestor is obviously to keep, but I wouldn't lose sleep over losing any of the others to be honest. I'd like to see more of the new lad Robinson, as he looks decent. Simon Power has had a good year, and Keena was doing well before his injuries, but apart from that there's none of the other forwards I'd be bothered about losing (obviously we're losing Melia anyway). Lot of talk about the mentality of the team, and we do certainly seem to have a soft centre. Thats going to have to change too. Overall, lots of work for Stephen Kenny to do.

[legendz]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the day and everyone got home safely (I presume).

Great crowd up and a marker for Kerry for what's possible if the club and community work together to improve their standing in LOI.
Enjoy the rest of the season
Seems to be a positive reaction from the Rovers supporters on the Kerry travelling support. Not that we we need the validation! Was surprised to read the genuine positive comments afterwards.
Considering Billy Dennehy's strong links with Rovers and the positive reaction of all supporters, Rovers visiting MH Park in preseason should be considered.

[Nesta99]

I'm still gutted by the result and the performance. Cup Final day at the Aviva is great and I'm sick to be missing out. I felt before the game that we couldn't afford to go behind, and so it transpired. Just like the Sligo game the previous week.

As to where we go from here, who knows. Don't see Kenny being sacked, and I think he'll get next season at least. It's a bit strange to me, I still think there is lots of talent in that squad. Alan Cawley made the point that 8 of Pats 10 defeats have come away from home, which is probably pretty telling. We are not able to break down teams who just sit in and defend with discipline against us. If the game is more open and end to end we look a lot better and the likes of Power and Mulraney (sometimes !) can use their pace on the break. I'm not sure who is out of contract at the end of the year, but I imagine we'll see a good few changes. There are probably more players on the release list than there are on the keep. But thats assuming they can be replaced with better. I think Anang has had a decent season overall but I'd actually fault him for all three goals on Friday. We'll need a left back, as Breslin seems to be totally out of favour and Kazeem is useless. Right back is actually ok, as I think both Sjoberg and McLaughlin are solid. Possibly need a new centre half alongside Redmond, I was a fan of Tom Grivosti but he hasn't had a great year (Maguire shrugged him off and left him for dead for Corks second goal the other night, which shouldn't happen) Luke Turner is another I'd class as solid. Midfield and forward areas are probably where we need most work. Forrestor is obviously to keep, but I wouldn't lose sleep over losing any of the others to be honest. I'd like to see more of the new lad Robinson, as he looks decent. Simon Power has had a good year, and Keena was doing well before his injuries, but apart from that there's none of the other forwards I'd be bothered about losing (obviously we're losing Melia anyway). Lot of talk about the mentality of the team, and we do certainly seem to have a soft centre. Thats going to have to change too. Overall, lots of work for Stephen Kenny to do.

Gartland came in after recruitment didnt he!? Caveat emptor the needed motto this close season!!

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the day and everyone got home safely (I presume).
Wouldn't go as far as to say the Burkey decision was "criminal" but he should have been sent off, as should the guy who tackled him ( nothing much being said about that!).
Rovers clearly and correctly took the game seriously and have targeted the double from a long way off.
Healy clearly got his tactics wrong if he's substituting a midfielder after 25 mins but as expected Rovers owned the ball and Mandriou,Watts, Healy and that irascible rogue Burkey combined to take the game away from Kerry.
Great crowd up and a marker for Kerry for what's possible if the club and community work together to improve their standing in LOI.
Enjoy the rest of the season

Thought the tackle was just a yellow card and nowhere near as bad as the reaction. Although it being the LOI was surprised he didn’t red card the Kerry player and let Burke off with a warning.

[ontheotherhand]

Seems to be a positive reaction from the Rovers supporters on the Kerry travelling support. Not that we we need the validation! Was surprised to read the genuine positive comments afterwards.
Considering Billy Dennehy's strong links with Rovers and the positive reaction of all supporters, Rovers visiting MH Park in preseason should be considered.

Surprised you're surprised! It was an amazing show of support from your fans, so credit where it's due. We're a sound bunch. We're itching for a trip to MHP.

[sbgawa]

Seems to be a positive reaction from the Rovers supporters on the Kerry travelling support. Not that we we need the validation! Was surprised to read the genuine positive comments afterwards.
Considering Billy Dennehy's strong links with Rovers and the positive reaction of all supporters, Rovers visiting MH Park in preseason should be considered.

100% would love a trip down to Kerry.
Mind you if it was a cup semi final you might have to move it to Austin Stack park to accomadate the crowd. Im sure the Kerry GAA would be suppoertive :)

[listowelceltic]

Someone on here said don't go to the Maldron. Oh how right they were. Around 8 staff behind the bar and they couldn't handle the crowd. In fairness the place was jointed.
Also they were showing a premier league game which was surprising with the Derry game being so important. I take it Rovers don't have much connection with the place.
The pint was OK when it did come.

[wonder88]

Not giving a red card to the Shamrock R player yesterday was a terrible decision. It follows on from the tackle by the other player taken off at half time yesterday in the Q/F v Drogheda only getting a yellow. It seems the rules are not been applied equally, which is bad for the league going forward.
However Stephen Bradley is quoted is saying that the ref got it right with a yellow, and Colin Healy says you don't get 'those decision here' so no chance is likely.

[ontheotherhand]

Someone on here said don't go to the Maldron. Oh how right they were. Around 8 staff behind the bar and they couldn't handle the crowd. In fairness the place was jointed.
Also they were showing a premier league game which was surprising with the Derry game being so important. I take it Rovers don't have much connection with the place.
The pint was OK when it did come.

Yeah, it's brutal. Usually have enough staff to deal with the crowd but no competency or interest in actually doing that.

They were and maybe still are a club sponsor so I don't get it. They'd do a roaring trade and their bar is big enough. Maybe they think it would put off their guests but they aren't exactly hosting foreign dignitaries.

[DonegalHoop]

Haven't gone to the Maldron in years. Stood at the bar one time for ages while pints were handed out over me to the staffs friends. Pint when it did come was awful. Never been back since. Plenty of decent bars within walking distance anyway.

[Straightstory]

Five and a half thousand for a Cup semi-final (tiny), and perhaps eight, nine, ten times that for a final (massive). Bizarre. Bet there's no other country in the world with a discrepancy like that.

[legendz]

Surprised you're surprised! It was an amazing show of support from your fans, so credit where it's due. We're a sound bunch. We're itching for a trip to MHP.The facilities in MH Park are basic tbh. It is what it is. Saw a comment on X:
"Here for the long run.Kerry FC own nothing, have no home or training facilities or such like absolutely nowt.
Only in existence due to the fact that they avail of mates rates from the kerry district league."


100% would love a trip down to Kerry.
Mind you if it was a cup semi final you might have to move it to Austin Stack park to accomadate the crowd. Im sure the Kerry GAA would be suppoertive :)
The away support in Tallaght was 25 times the usual travelling support for Kerry. If Kerry's usual home support was 25 times the usual, ASP would cater for that crowd alright!

[EatYerGreens]

The facilities in MH Park are basic tbh. It is what it is. Saw a comment on X:
"Here for the long run.Kerry FC own nothing, have no home or training facilities or such like absolutely nowt.
Only in existence due to the fact that they avail of mates rates from the kerry district league."


How does that differ from the likes of Bohs, Cork, Derry, Waterford, Drogheda ?

[culloty82]

The facilities in MH Park are basic tbh. It is what it is. Saw a comment on X:
"Here for the long run.Kerry FC own nothing, have no home or training facilities or such like absolutely nowt.
Only in existence due to the fact that they avail of mates rates from the kerry district league."


The away support in Tallaght was 25 times the usual travelling support for Kerry. If Kerry's usual home support was 25 times the usual, ASP would cater for that crowd alright!

I wouldn't worry about Mike Hurley - a Forest fan from Donegal who lives in Kerry, and has some inexplicable bee in his bonnet about the club!

[legendz]

I wouldn't worry about Mike Hurley - a Forest fan from Donegal who lives in Kerry, and has some inexplicable bee in his bonnet about the club!
I have to admit that I mistakenly read the comment differently. I saw it as a compliment that Kerry from a low base got to the semi finals and brought a big crowd!

[listowelceltic]

He called us a horrible club after the incident with the 2 players in the summer. What's his problem with Kerry Culloty?

[Louth4sam]

The facilities in MH Park are basic tbh. It is what it is. Saw a comment on X:
"Here for the long run.Kerry FC own nothing, have no home or training facilities or such like absolutely nowt.
Only in existence due to the fact that they avail of mates rates from the kerry district league."


The away support in Tallaght was 25 times the usual travelling support for Kerry. If Kerry's usual home support was 25 times the usual, ASP would cater for that crowd alright!

Been down to Kerry twice this season. Facilities are more than adaquate for their needs and plenty of room to grow. Very welcoming club and a great away trip.

[culloty82]

He called us a horrible club after the incident with the 2 players in the summer. What's his problem with Kerry Culloty?

Think he just throws comments out in the hope someone will bite, and he sees the whole concept as a "fake club" in his eye

[sbgawa]

That incident with the two Lads and how Kerry handled it (calling them out instead of quietly releasing them) was brought up in the group i was sitting with at the match.
The consensus was Kerry were right to name and shame.
It came up in the context of we were all amazed at how many were up from Kerry and the talk was of Comunity engagement

[legendz]

There was an over reaction by some to Kerry's release of the two. It called it as it was.
I thought Kerry supporters would have been stuck in two sections in the corner on Sunday. Wasn't expecting the entire East Stand. The last time I was impressed with facilities was when I caught the odd LoI game in Thomond Park.

[ontheotherhand]

The facilities in MH Park are basic tbh. It is what it is. Saw a comment on X:
"Here for the long run.Kerry FC own nothing, have no home or training facilities or such like absolutely nowt.
Only in existence due to the fact that they avail of mates rates from the kerry district league."


The away support in Tallaght was 25 times the usual travelling support for Kerry. If Kerry's usual home support was 25 times the usual, ASP would cater for that crowd alright!

One of my favourite seasons following Rovers was the one in the FD. Facilities aren't everything. Can't wait to get down there. Id rather stand and watch a game in a field than visit some of the stadium's used by the bigger clubs. Keep building. If you can get 1200 to Tallaght it shows the interest is there. Good people running your club as well.

[Nesta99]

One of my favourite seasons following Roverswas the one in the FD. Facilities aren't everything. Can't wait to get down there. Id rather stand and watch a game in a field than visit some of the stadium's used by the bigger clubs. Keep building. If you can get 1200 to Tallaght it shows the interest is there. Good people running your club as well.

Being saying this about Oriel Park for years!!

[ontheotherhand]

Being saying this about Oriel Park for years!!

Well look, it's storm season. We can live and hope.

[Nesta99]

Well look, it's storm season. We can live and hope.

For the real hard core fans in the grounds with soul and character;)

[ontheotherhand]

For the real hard core fans in the grounds with soul and character;)

Certainly character building!